Picture This

Lucille Bruno was looking for a photographer to take some photos of her latest line of new designs. Having worked with local filmmaker Jonathan Latona (of “Cleanup Comedy,” which can be viewed on YouTube) at the Pop Up Studio on 3rd Street last fall, the pair began the groundwork: find a venue, book make-up artists and choose models.

“Having done all the work for our own shoot, we suddenly thought, Why not open it up to other designers and photographers so that we can all benefit from the day!” Bruno says with a smile.

Thus Cape Fear Community Photo Shoot (CFCP) will take place July 8th and aims to bring the community together one photo at a time, all the while benefiting a local cause. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the doors of The BrikHouse, located at 208 Market Street, will fling open to any budding photographers who would like the opportunity to experience a professional fashion shoot. Inside this funky club, Bruno will establish three different sets, complete with diverse themes, props and lighting effects with which the photographers, models and designers can experiment.

“We’re very excited,” says Bruno who has been designing her own clothes since she was 8-years-old. “This is for everyone to enjoy, whether you have a point-and-shoot camera, or you are a professional. Just come and have fun.”
Each set will have a professional photographer on site to mentor other aspiring photogs, one of whom will be 22-year-old Latona. Three years into his filmmaking and photography courses at Cape Fear Community College, he expresses a greater interest of collaboration among Wilmington’s creators.

“Lucille and I both want to bring the art community of Wilmington together to be able to network and meet other professionals in the industry,” he says. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to connect with all sorts of talented people.”

An already prolific filmmaker, Latona is taking some time to further explore his photography. “For me, it comes naturally,” he admits. “I love what I do and do what I love everyday. I try to find interesting ways to tell a story or convey a message. I’m always learning and that’s what’s important.”

True to the spirit of evolvement, anyone who turns up to the free shoot and wants to join in will be granted their moment of creative expression. They can try their own ideas, and all photos will remain the property of the photographer.

On the other side of the lens, there will be four models who will be wearing the creations of three independent designers. Bruno, who was born in Ireland and has lived in Wilmington for the last nine years, uses mainly recycled and reclaimed fabrics. She describes her clothes as “classic with a little bit of an edge.”

Finally, Cherylnina Stewart, who was born in the Philippines and is the creator of a.LUXE designs, will also be there with her unique collection. “I believe every woman should have access to affordable, beautiful, one-of-a-kind clothing,” Stewart says. Her latest designs involve her own photographs, which she took whilst traveling.

In the accessory department, Little Luxuries will be showing off their gorgeous collection of purses, and the jewelry will be supplied by the independent company, Vint. An acronym for “Vintage Inspired Notably Timeless,” company owner Michelle Conely describes her line as “redefining the return of vintage jewels into modern glamour.” All the clothes and accessories will be on sale at the event.

There will also be a cash bar courtesy of The BrikHouse and a silent auction with some great prizes, including a few of the designer items. The proceeds from the auction and other, additional donations will go to the Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN). WIHN unites various congregations in order to assist homeless families. They provide emergency and interim housing, meals, health services and advice on how to return independence to families that suddenly find themselves without a home. This extensive program, which involves the support of over 30 different congregations, allows families to stay together rather than children being taken into care and separated from their loved ones.

Encore Magazine regularly covers topics pertaining to news, arts, entertainment, food, and city life in Wilmington. It also maintains schedules and listings of local events like concerts, festivals, live performance art and think-tank events. Encore Magazine is an entity of H&P Media, which also powers Wilmington’s local ticketing platform, 910tix.com. Print and online editions are updated every Wednesday.